Article: Cairn for Lovat Heir
Cairn set to mark the spot where Lovat Estate heir died
Inverness Courier: Published: 23 July, 2010
THE spot where the heir to the Lovat Estate died 16 years ago could be marked by a permanent memorial.
Simon Fraser, the Master of Lovat, died of a heart attack as he took part in a drag hunt close to the family seat, Beaufort Castle.
His death at the age of 54 marked a double tragedy for the family - just four days previously, they had buried his brother, Andrew (42), who was killed by a buffalo on safari in Africa.
Now, Lovat Highland Estates has applied to Highland Council for permission to erect a memorial cairn at the Kiltarlity/Fanellan Road junction.
Malcolm Fraser, of the Beauly-based estate, explained the aim was to have a permanent memorial.
"There is a stone cairn in the field at the present time which has fallen down," he said. "It is just a pile of stones really. We hope to get permission to put up something better."
He said it was too early to say what it would look like and when it would go up.
"We hope to get it up before the winter, but we have to get permission first."
As Master of Lovat, Simon Fraser had been expected to succeed his father, the 17th Lord Lovat whose legendary escapades as a Commando during World War II were recalled in the 1962 film, The Longest Day.
Instead, hundreds of mourners from all around the world, including aristocrats and crofters, gathered on a March day in 1994 at St Mary's Roman Catholic Church at Eskadale to pay their last respects to the colourful and flamboyant character. Just days before, they had gathered there to say a final farewell to his younger brother, Andrew.
His 82-year-old father, whose health was failing, was unable to attend the service and was said to be fighting to come to terms with the double tragedy.
The coffin was carried by six members of the Fraser clan, including his kilted 17-year-son, Simon, who became the new Master of Lovat. Also among the mourners were daughters Violet (22), a student in Boston, and Honor (21), a fashion model, and nine-year-old son, Jack.
It later emerged, Mr Fraser had left debts totalling millions of pounds and subsequently Beaufort Castle was sold.
When Lord Lovat died the following year, the title passed to his grandson, Simon, who has since spoken of his wish to one day buy back the castle.
published on: 23/07/2010